Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2013
27. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the proposed €20 million upgrade of the National Gallery as part of the 1916 centenary commemorations; the timetable for the upgrade works and the way he envisages the National Gallery's role in the centenary celebrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12869/13]
View answerFor some years now, the National Gallery of Ireland has been actively working with the Office of Public Works on the management of a Master Development Plan to remedy the structural problems that needed to be addressed in the Gallery. The principal components of the Plan include the essential refurbishment of the historic buildings at Merrion Square and the provision of additional space, including, in time, a new wing for exhibitions, education and the library.
The first phase of the project (Phase 1) relates to the renovation of the historic wings (the Dargan and Milltown Wings). The Dargan Wing was opened in 1854 and the Milltown Wing was opened in 1903. Since then there has been no fundamental upgrade to the fabric of these buildings and they are no longer considered fit for purpose for modern exhibition requirements. Under this project, the roofs of both wings will be brought up to standard, as will the internal fabric. This will ensure that the National Collection can be shown and protected in an appropriate forum. It will also enable the Gallery to host international exhibitions and, in the longer term, to increase its contribution towards the country’s cultural tourism offering.
There are a number of aspects to the first phase:
- Refurbishment of the roof of the Dargan Wing;
- Refurbishment of the roof of the Milltown Wing and renovation works to both wings to return them to their original architectural forms;
- The installation of an energy centre and the modernisation of the heating, ventilation and environmental controls; and
- The integration of external spaces into the Gallery proper, as exhibition facilities and orientation galleries.
Both the Dargan and Milltown Wings were closed to the public in February 2011. Work on the refurbishment of the roof of the Dargan Wing commenced in March 2011 and was completed in May 2012. Work on the refurbishment of the roof of the Milltown Wing and the renovation of both wings remains to be completed. The Office of Public Works is about to go to tender in relation to this project and it is expected that work will commence towards the end of this year and be completed by 2016. Befitting its status as a national cultural institution and one of the leading galleries of its kind in the world, the National Gallery will play a full role in the centenary celebrations. I understand that the Director is advancing his plans in that regard.
